Former Chelsea wonderkid announces retirement at 28 in emotional video

Former Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda, once compared to his fellow Belgian Eden Hazard, has hung up his boots at the tender age of 28. Musonda was brought into Chelsea's youth system in 2012 from Anderlecht and subsequently had a string of loan stints with clubs such as Real Betis, Celtic, and Vitesse. His first senior outing for the Blues came in August 2017 during the Community Shield match against Arsenal, but he only managed a total of seven appearances for the first team.

In 2018, just weeks into his loan at Vitesse, Musonda was hit by a severe posterior cruciate ligament injury which drastically limited his game time over the following two seasons. He underwent additional surgery in 2019 and didn't return to training until December 2020. He left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in June 2022, concluding a decade-long tenure with the London club that was marred by injuries.

Musonda represented Belgium at nearly every youth level - from under-15s through to under-21s - but never earned a senior international cap.

After leaving Chelsea, he signed for Spanish side Levante, where he made 19 appearances across all competitions during a single season. He then moved to Cyprus, signing for Anorthosis for the 2023/24 campaign, where he made just 11 appearances before spending the most recent season without a club.

With the 2025/26 season on the horizon, Musonda has declared his retirement from professional football. He plans to dedicate this new chapter to mentoring rising talents using his own rich experience in the sport.

Musonda revealed on Instagram: "Today I'm announcing that I'm stepping away from 11v11 football, but not so much away from the game I have loved, I still think I have a lot to give, especially for top players around the globe who need a stage.

"I have been through so much over the last few years so many emotions happiness, sadness, which made me realise there are so many great talents with great stories who have gone or are going through similar obstacles with so much left to give but little help, and there's probably no one better to help but me, more on @vs1fc coming soon."

"For now I would like to thank my family for always supporting me through the highest highs and lowest lows, you are the best. Thank you to all the players I have played with, against, on the streets, at school and at club level.

"My idols for inspiring me. All coaches that I have had, beginning with my dad all the way to all the youth and academy coaches to first team coaches at club and international level.

"My wish is for all great players out there who go all out to make those dreams a reality the opportunity to achieve success for themselves and their families, from the current players who inspire kids around the world to the next generation on the come up, always believe, play free and enjoy every minute you have.

"As for me, I have been truly blessed, this is not goodbye, but a new beginning, one where hopefully I can help play a small part in making the world better for footballers. Thank you and see you soon with a football always."